Petrochemicals

Inorganic chemicals

Caustic soda

Essential throughout the chemical industry – as a solvent for the production of paper, alumina, and man-made fibers, as a basic production material for chemical products and derivatives, and as a neutralizing agent for acidic industrial solutions and effluents. Produced by the world-leading, ecoefficient ion-exchange membrane process for salt electrolysis developed by Asahi Kasei.

Applications

Production of organic chemicals, etc.

Contact:

Inorganic Chemicals Sales Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3215

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3444

Chemical fertilizers

Advanced fertilizers and materials for agriculature are manufactured and sold by affiliate JCAM Agri Co., Ltd.

A strong, highly corrosive acid, produced in concentrations of 98%, 67.5%, and 62% with ammonia as the main starting material. Essential for the production of urethane, chemical fertilizers, explosives, and other chemical products, and for the processing and cleaning of metal surfaces.

Applications

Production of inorganic chemicals, etc.

Contact:

Inorganic Chemicals Sales Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3215

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3444

Ammonia

A key production material for acrylonitrile and nitric acid, and serves as a reducing agent for nitrogen oxide emitted from coal and oil combustion.

Applications

Production of fertilizer and industrial chemicals, etc.

Contact:

AN Division

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3280

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3459

Monomers

Acrylonitrile (AN)

Key production material for acrylic fiber, ABS resin, nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), adiponitrile (ADN), and many other products. Markets around the world are supplied from plants in Japan (Mizushima), Korea, and Thailand which are operated in accordance with feedstock and demand trends.

Key monomer for acrylic resin and coating materials, with major application in LCD light-guide panels. Produced by direct oxidative esterification, a revolutionary process technology developed by Asahi Kasei, as part of a complete system for production from monomer to Delpet™ and Delaglas™ PMMA polymers and products.

Applications

Production of acrylic resin, coating materials, etc.

Contact:

MMA Monomer Marketing Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3283

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3460

Styrene

Styrene is essential for styrenic resins, synthetic rubber, and unsaturated polyester. Produced at the Mizushima Petrochemical Complex in Okayama, Japan, with over 50 years of expertise since introduction from The Dow Chemical Company in 1959.

Applications

Production of synthetic resin, synthetic rubber, etc.

Contact:

Styrene & Nylon Intermediates Marketing & Sales Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3288

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3461

Adipic acid, hexamethylene diamine, AH salt, and propionitrile

Asia’s only adipic acid producer with two production bases – one in the Asahi Kasei production complex at Nobeoka City in southern Japan, and the other in South Korea through production consignment – ensuring a sure, stable supply that meets the widespread and growing demand for adipic acid.

Contact:

Styrene & Nylon Intermediates Marketing & Sales Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3288

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3461

E-Mail:

ada@om.asahi-kasei.co.jp

Sodium cyanide

Sodium cyanide is produced from byproduct hydrogen cyanide from the AN manufacturing process, mainly at our plant in Korea.

Applications

Metal plating, gold extraction, etc.

Methacrylonitrile (MAN)

Special monomer characterized by its structural composition of active vinyl, acrylic, and side-chain methyl groups. Widely used for polymers and intermediates production. World's first volume production began by Asahi Kasei in 1984.

Produced from MMA and cyclohexanol, by an Asahi Kasei process marked by superior efficiency and stability in product quality and supply. Used to produce coatings with outstanding weatherability and surface appearance, for architectural exteriors, automotive topcoats, and other demanding applications.

Applications

Production of coating materials, etc.

Contact:

MMA Monomer Marketing Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3283

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3460

Cyclohexanol, cyclohexane, and cyclohexene

All produced at the Mizushima Petrochemical Complex in Okayama, Japan, and marketed for use as key nylon production materials and solvents.

Applications

Solvents, production of nylon intermediates

Contact:

Styrene & Nylon Intermediates Marketing & Sales Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3288

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3461

Polymers & sheets

Suntec™ and Creolex™ polyethylene

Polyethylenes with special qualities and advanced function and performance, including Creolex™ metallocene HDPE for hot-water pipes, additive-free high-flow extrusion HDPE compliant with beverage-container regulations, and LDPE for odor-free laminates.

Applications

Films, miscellaneous goods, food containers, delivery crates

Contact:

Molding Materials Dept.
Film & Laminate Materials Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3262

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3455

Sunfine™ polyethylene powder

Special functions and performance in grades for specific purposes, ranging from SH for sinter molding, LH for cloth coating, and ultrahigh molecular weight UH, to powder coating PAK and hydrophilic porous AQ.

Delaglas™ AL inherently emits light from the entire plate surface and edges when illuminated along one edge - providing higher brightness, uniformity, and transparency, with no need for surface processing. It is a product of advanced Asahi Kasei optical design and extrusion technologies. Inherent surface luminance without any of the printing, grooving, or other surface processing required for conventional luminant-surface plates - resulting in lower cost and fewer process steps.

Performance Materials

Chemical intermediates, etc.

Duranate™ HDI-based polyisocyanates

A broad array of high-performance HDI-based polyisocyanates, produced by Asahi Kasei's advanced process and product technology, for non-yellowing polyurethane curing in fields ranging from coatings, inks, and adhesives to cast molding.

A new polycarbonatediol, for the production of polyurethanes with outstanding resistance to heat, chemicals, and hydrolysis, and superior weatherability. Produced in an array of grades by Asahi Kasei process technology – for polyurethanes with optimal properties for specific fields of application, ranging from synthetic leathers and synthetic leather binders to adhesives, coatings, TPUs, and spandexes.

Silicone-modified acrylic latexes for water-based exterior wall paints and coatings in Hebel Haus™ and other concrete homes and structures, with a projected service life of fifteen years or more. Long-lasting quality and performance that bring strong and growing market demand from home owners and builders.

A leading emulsion latex adhesive, produced from styrene and butadiene, with high elasticity and adhesive strength. Widely used in paper coating, carpet backing, laminating, and many other applications.

Additives, etc.

Ceolus™ and Celphere™ MCC (microcrystalline cellulose)

MCC is purified, partially depolymerized cellulose. Used around the world, Ceolus™ and Celphere™ offer superior performance and quality based on advanced particle design, production, and processing technologies at Asahi Kasei.

World’s second-largest producer of acetonitrile – a material in rising demand with characteristics that closely match the requirements of the growing fine chemicals industry. Part of the Asahi Kasei commitment to the stable supply of high quality and performance, to meet demanding requirements.

Membranes & systems

Microza™ UF and MF industrial membranes and systems

Advanced ultrafiltration and microfiltration hollow-fiber membranes and systems developed and produced by Asahi Kasei, at the forefront of filtration process and materials technology. Microza™ UF and MF – serving industry and the environment, around the globe, through water treatment, separation, purification, and refining, in automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and other fields of production and processing.

Aciplex™ membranes, process equipment, and systems for caustic soda production from Asahi Kasei – the global leader in advanced ion-exchange membranes and membrane-process electrolyzers for energy-conserving, ecofriendly salt electrolysis, and the world’s largest supplier.

Clads & anchors

Baclad™ explosion-bonded metal clads

A world leader in the production of metal composites by explosion bonding – the controlled application of explosive energy to form an instantaneous bond between metal plates. High-performance clad products in optimum metal combinations and configurations, for overseas and domestic chemical, refinery, and petrochemical industries, LNG tanks and equipment, power plants, and many other fields.

Epoxy and epoxy acrylate bonded anchors with high, stable holding power in concrete, rock, brick, and other materials, for fields of construction and repair ranging from buildings and equipment installation to roads, bridges, docks, and other civil engineering.

Contact:

Fastenings Marketing & Sales Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-6699-3352

Fax:

+81-(0)3-6699-3349

Optical and printing materials

Photomask pellicles

Pellicles prevent the adherence of dust on photomasks, which could cause defective image transfer in the photolithographic exposure process. Asahi Kasei produces pellicles in a wide range of sizes for applications ranging from ICs to LCD panels, and we are the only supplier of pellicles compatible with the 10th-generation (10G) LCD panel production process, which requires the world's largest photomask pellicles.

Applications

Semiconductors, printed wiring boards, LCD panels

Contact:

Pellicle Sales & Marketing Group

Phone:

+81-(0)3-6699-3985

Fax:

+81-(0)3-6699-3986

Plastic optical fiber

Plastic optical fiber (POF) from Aashi Kasei is a product of the exceptional polymer and spinning technologies of the Asahi Kasei Group. Featuring outstanding reliability, it is used in sensors and automotive applications. Multicore POF is a unique product of Asahi Kasei which is used in a wide range of applications including data transmission and image scopes.

Our photopolymers are used for flexo printing of packages (cardboard, labels, and film) and alignment films for LCD panels. The broad product lineup of liquid photopolymer and solid photosensitive plates includes environmentally friendly products that enable washing with water instead of solvents.

Electronic materials

Pimel™ photosensitive polyimide/PBO precursor

Pimel™ photosensitive polyimide/PBO precursor is a liquid photosensitive material used by semiconductor manufacturers worldwide for buffer coating and packaging applications. The product lineup includes a wide variety of both solvent developable negative tone types and TMAH developable positive tone types that meet a broad range of cutting-edge requirements. Polyimide and polybenzoxazole (PBO) buffer coats made from Pimel™ protect wafer dice from damage with outstanding resistance to heat and chemicals as well as superior electrical and mechanical properties.

Dry film is used to form circuit patterns on printed wiring boards used in PCs, tablet PCs, mobile phones, smartphones, and automotive electronics. Sunfort™ maintains a leading market share in the key markets of Asia based on excellent product quality together with superior technical support.

Novacure™ is a latent curing agent for epoxy resin with superior storage stability and rapid curing at low temperatures enabling one-pack formulations. It is widely used in electronic and electrical applications.

Applications

Adhesive for electric and electronic components

Contact:

Performance Curing Material Marketing Group

Phone:

+81-(0)3-6699-3354

Fax:

+81-(0)3-6699-3466

Glass fabric for printed circuit boards

Glass fabric is used as electrical insulation and reinforcement in printed circuit boards and packaging substrates made with epoxy resin. Asahi Kasei is the world’s leading supplier of ultra-thin glass fabric used in compact portable devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs, and continues to develop advanced new products.

Made with a roll-to-roll process using unique nanoimprint technology, it is the world's first wire grid polarizer based on plastic film. It features high polarization separation performance in the broad wavelength range by using metal nanowires, and excellent heat resistance compared to a typical absorption polarizer.

Performance Polymers

Polymers

Leona™ PA66 (polyamide 66)

Engineering plastics superior in heat resistance, strength and rigidity, and other key properties, widely used in the production of electrical and electronic, business equipment, and architectural parts and components.

Engineering plastics with a superior, high-level balance of mechanical and slide characteristics, widely used in the production of electrical and electronic, automotive, and industrial parts and components.

Resins that provide superior heat resistance, flame retardance, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties. Outstanding performance in alloys with polystyrene and with other polymers, for product fields ranging from home appliances to business and IT equipment and automotive applications.

Styrenic copolymers in types and grades that meet specific performance requirements for parts, components, and housings in digital equipment and many other established and emerging fields of application.

Synthetic rubber

Asadene™ and Asaprene™ BR for HIPS and ABS

Polybutadiene rubbers produced by solution polymerization, with special performance characteristics ranging from ultralow gel formation to outstanding color development, for HIPS production and ABS reinforcement.

Elastomers

Asaflex™ clear styrenic copolymer

Styrene/butadiene (SB) block copolymers – with a unique combination of high transparency and impact strength, for shrink labels, food trays and containers, transparent cases, appliance components, and many other applications.

Styrene/butadiene block copolymers that provide the characteristics of rubber together with high compatibility with polystyrene and other resins, and excellent moldability. Widely used as base polymers for adhesives, as asphalt modifiers, and in footwear, toys, and food trays and containers.

Hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomers with superior weatherability and heat resistance, widely used as resin modifiers and compatibilizers, and as base polymers for adhesives and elastomer compounds. Includes the Tuftec™ M series, specifically developed for high compatibility with polar resins.

New hydrogenated styrenic thermoplastic elastomers with superior shock absorption, vibration-damping properties, and scratch resistance. Widely used as modifiers for resins, elastomer compounds, and asphalt, and as base polymers for adhesives.

Consumables

Kitchen & household products

Sold in Japan by Asahi Kasei, Saran Wrap™ has superior cling, barrier performance, and heat resistance compared to wrapping films made of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride.

Applications

Food preservation, Cooking

Contact:

Asahi Kasei Home Products Corp.

Ziploc™ bags and containers

Sold in Japan by Asahi Kasei, Ziploc™ resealable plastic bags and containers are ideal for organizing household items in addition to storing food in refrigerators and freezers.

Applications

Food preservation, Cooking

Contact:

Asahi Kasei Home Products Corp.

Cookper™

Sold in Japan, the Cookper™ lineup includes products that make healthy cooking easy in the oven, frying pan, stewing pot, and more.

Applications

Cooking

Contact:

Asahi Kasei Home Products Corp.

Frosch™ dishwashing liquid

Launched in Germany, Frosch™ is a well-known brand of cleaners in over 40 countries worldwide. Sold in Japan by Asahi Kasei, Frosch™ dishwashing liquid combines good cleaning performance with minimum environmental burden, while being gentle to the skin.

Contact:

Asahi Kasei Home Products Corp.

Cleaners

Asaclean™ purging compound

A completely different concept in extruder and molding machine purging and cleaning. High speed and efficiency, reduced time and materials consumption, and high cleaning power – resulting in reduced operating costs, higher product quality, and smoother operation in every phase from resin changeover to impurities reduction.

Packaging products, etc.

OPS™ film

Stiffness, gloss, transparency, permeability - the strengths and superiority of these films’ range of characteristics are demonstrated in a variety of application fields, from the packaging of fresh produce through to uses such as a polystyrene laminate material and envelope window film.

Contact:

Flexible Packaging Products Sales Department

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3423

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3487

Suntec™ S polyolefin shrink film

From boxed lunches and other delicatessen dishes in convenience stores to tray-wrapped meat, fish, processed seafood, mushrooms and the like on supermarket shelves, this polyolefin shrink film enables food to be safely packaged and beautifully presented. We offer high shrink, semi-shrink and stretch types, and the development of over-wrap and pillow shrink grades to fit all types of packaging machines and package contents is underway.

Contact:

Flexible Packaging Products Sales Department

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3423

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3487

Barrialon™ barrier films

This line-up of high barrier films, matched to the requirements of various applications and machines, includes Barrialon™ SF film for fully-automatic form-fill machines, Barrialon™ UB for laminates and Barrialon™ S for shrink packaging meats. Additionally, system sales involving both film and machines are offered.

Contact:

Barrier Materials Marketing & Sales Dept.

Phone:

+81-(0)3-3296-3423

Fax:

+81-(0)3-3296-3423

Suntec Foam™ and Mef™ foamed products

Excellent cushioning performance makes these foams ideal for a wide range of packaging applications, including electrical equipment and precision machinery. Additionally, we offer system sales involving PAOSS™, a world first cushioning package design optimization software system that combines advanced IT simulation techniques with our rich database of cushioning data.

Licensed in Japan, Magic Cut™ technology developed by Asahi Kasei Pax enables plastic packets to be easily opened. Its uses range from the packaging of foods and sauces to agricultural chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Contact:

Asahi Kasei Pax Corp.

PVDC latex

A high-performance aqueous PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) emulsion that, on drying, forms a thin film characterized by high barrier to oxygen and other gases and to water vapor, together with outstanding heat- and radiofrequency-seal properties, flame retardance, and oil and chemical resistance.

Saran™ fiber is a synthetic fiber with the following characteristics. As pigment is added directly to the raw materials, it has excellent color fastness and is fade resistant. It displays superior chemical resistance. As the raw material is inherently self-extinguishing, addition of flame-retardants is unnecessary. It is used widely in applications such as doll hair, insoles, dishwashing pads, scrubbing brushes and water filtration.